C$.$ Operational definition

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Alternative Hypothesis

Gap in the Literature

Null Hypothesis

A$.$ Exposure to the discussion boards and discussion board prompt materials, and interacting with their classmates would not decrease avoidance of critical thinking, nor would it increase positive attitudes towards critical thinking or confidence in critical thinking.

B$."$As of yet, no one has specifically studied how discussion boards may encourage critical thinking within a face to face research methods class" $($Hartnet & Edlund, $2020,$ p$.57).$

C$."[$Critical thinking is$]$ the ability to analyze and evaluate information" $($Hartnet & Edlund, $2020,$ p$.57).$

D$."...$exposure to the discussion boards and discussion board prompt materials, and interacting with their classmates would decrease avoidance of critical thinking, increase positive attitudes towards critical thinking, and increase confidence in critical thinking $"($Hartnet & Edlund, $2020,$ p$.57).$

E$.$ Critical Thinking

F$.$ Discussion Boards